Tofu Reuben Sandwich with Broccoli Slaw

A classic Reuben sandwich is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian dressing. It is one of my all time favorites; however, I avoid eating it because I try to eat healthier. One day I was having lunch in a local cafe and noticed on the menu a Tofu Reuben sandwich. I had to try it. I am always looking for new ways to make tofu, so I was delighted to find that this sandwich was very satisfying. Just substituting the corned beef with the tofu turned a very decadent sandwich into a healthy, delicious one.

So I am making for you today my own version of a Tofu Reuben Sandwich. This is a great vegetarian sandwich that is hearty and satisfying. I enhanced the tofu with the warm spices of cumin and paprika, then grilled it lightly before adding it to the sandwich. Then I elevated the flavors with a homemade thousand island dressing.

Let’s start with the dressing. . .

Thousand Island Dressing

You can buy a bottled dressing, but I prefer to make my own. The recipe for homemade Thousand Island Dressing is very easy to make, and the flavor is fresh and delicious.

Directions:Finely dice the red onion, and mince one-half clove of garlic. Add all the ingredients to a medium sized bowl and mix well. Store in refrigerator until ready to use .

Broccoli Slaw

I also served the sandwich with a broccoli slaw salad. You can find the broccoli slaw in most grocery stores. Broccoli is a nice variation to coleslaw. I add a little extra red cabbage and red onion to the store bought mix to enhance the flavors. Instead of a mayonnaise based dressing, I made a honey mustard vinaigrette. It is the perfect balance of sweet and sour.

Directions:Thinly slice the red cabbage, and dice the onion. Add the broccoli slaw, red cabbage and onion in a large bowl, and set aside while you make the dressing.

In a small bowl, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until it emulsifies. Pour over the slaw mixture and mix well. Place in refrigerator for one hour before serving.

Now for the star of the meal . . .

Tofu Reuben Sandwich

Directions:Drain the tofu and use paper towel to soak up the excess water. Slice the tofu into 1/2 inch thick pieces. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper to taste. Moderately sprinkle both sides with cumin and paprika.

Heat a little canola on a cast iron grill or pan. Cook until lightly browned on each side, about 3 minutes.

Assemble the sandwich. . .

Spread thousand island dressing on both slices of bread; top each slice with Swiss cheese. Place two slices of the grilled tofu on one slice and top off with sauerkraut.

Top off with sauerkraut

Add a little butter to the grill pan. Once it is melted add the sandwich and grill on both sides until golden brown. Add more butter as needed.